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51:1  I give you thanks, O Lord and King; I praise you as my God and Savior. I give you thanks,
51:2  for you have helped me and protected me. You have rescued me from death, from dangerous lies and slander.
51:3  You helped me when no one else would; in your great mercy you saved me from the many troubles I have known: from the glaring hatred of my enemies, who wanted to put an end to my life;
51:4  from suffocation in oppressive smoke rising from fires that I did not light;
51:5  from death itself; from vicious slander reported to the king.
51:6  I was once brought face-to-face with death;
51:7  enemies surrounded me everywhere. I looked for someone to help me, but there was no one there.
51:8  But then, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are and what you had done in times past. I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you, that you save them from their enemies.
51:9  Then from here on earth I prayed to you to rescue me from death.
51:10  I prayed, O Lord, you are my father; do not abandon me to my troubles when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.
51:11  I will always praise you and sing hymns of thanksgiving. You answered my prayer,
51:12  and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you. O Lord, I praise you!
51:13  When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom.
51:14  I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.
51:15  From my blossoming youth to my ripe old age she has been my delight. I have followed directly in her path ever since I was young.
51:16  I received Wisdom as soon as I began listening for her, and I have been rewarded with great knowledge.
51:17  I have always been a learner and am grateful to everyone who has been my teacher.
51:18  I was determined to live wisely and was devoted to the cause of goodness. I have no regrets.
51:19  I fought for Wisdom and was strict in my conduct. When I prayed, I sadly confessed how far short of Wisdom I fell.
51:20  But I was determined to have her, and I found her by keeping myself free from sin. I have grown in Wisdom since first I found her, and I will never be without her.
51:21  Because I was driven by the desire to find her, I have been richly rewarded.
51:22  The Lord gave me a gift for words, and I have used it in his praise.
51:23  Come to me, all you that need instruction, and learn in my school.
51:24  Why do you admit that you are ignorant and do nothing about it?
51:25  Here is what I say: It costs nothing to be wise.
51:26  Put on the yoke, and be willing to learn. The opportunity is always near.
51:27  See for yourselves! I have really not studied very hard, but I have found great contentment.
51:28  No matter how much it costs you to get Wisdom, it will be well worth it.
51:29  Be joyfully grateful for the Lord's mercy, and never be ashamed to praise him.
51:30  Do your duty at the proper time, and the Lord, at the time he thinks proper, will give you your reward.